Daniel – Part 1 – Living Among Lions

In the Book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar takes siege of Jerusalem, leading to the deportation of Judah’s treasures and many of the young nobility to Babylon. Among the captives are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They are selected to undergo a rigorous education in Babylonian language and literature. Daniel resolves not to defile himself with royal food and wine, requesting instead a diet of vegetables and water. This week’s theme, ‘Lion’s Den Strategies’, focuses on recognizing God’s active role in our lives in challenging situations, developing our own convictions and holding them graciously, and our calling to serve with excellence.

Read: Daniel 1:1-21

Discuss

1. Read Daniel 1:1-2. How did the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem impact Daniel and his friends?
2. How did Daniel maintain his faith in a foreign land? What is the significance of their refusal to eat the king’s food? (verse 8)
3. In verse 9, we see that God gave Daniel favour and compassion in the sight of the chief of the palace eunuchs. How does this reflect the idea that God is actively involved in our relationships and circumstances? Can you share a personal experience where you felt God’s favour in a tricky situation?
4. Daniel and his friends were faced with a cultural and spiritual challenge in Babylon. How did they maintain their integrity, and what does this teach us about living out our faith in challenging environments?
5. Reflecting on Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself, how can we develop and hold onto our convictions while being gracious to those around us who may not share our beliefs? Why can this be so difficult?
6. Daniel and his friends served with excellence, even in a foreign land and under a pagan king. How can we apply this principle to our own work and community, especially in environments that may not align with our values?
7. Jeremiah 29:7 encourages us to pray for the welfare of the city where we live. How can we effectively engage in this practice? What impact might it have on our communities?

Respond

There will be a plethora of things that capture our gaze daily. It might be your career, finance, relationship, or family to name a few. However, those things do not last. Sometimes they can even chain us down. We must gaze upon Jesus, as He will give us life and have it to the full (John 10:10). As we start the year, how can you focus more on gazing upon Jesus this year? What is one thing you can start today to change this?

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Daniel – Part 2 – Facing the furnace

As we look at the book of Daniel, we have seen King Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, and carry off many of the treasures, as well as the young nobles who were the best of the Israelite boys, for them to serve the King in Babylon. Three of these young men who were renamed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had stood up with grace for their own convictions on what they would eat in the Kings court, along with Daniel.
Now these same three young men are further tested, when they are called to bow down to worship an enormous golden image of the King, in which they again stood by their strong convictions not just with grace, but also now with great courage too. These three young men proclaimed that they would not bow down to the image, and that they would only worship the one true God, even at the potential cost of their own lives. The consequence for this stance was for them to be thrown in the fiery furnace, yet God miraculously saved them, and opened the Kings eyes to who is the one and only true God to be worshipped.

Read: Daniel 3:1-30.

Discuss

1. Re-read the story out loud and share one element of the story that you believe God wants you to take notice of, that you may not have noticed before. Share this. What does God want you to learn from this story today?
2. Think of a time when you were in a position where you needed to stand up for your personal convictions at the threat of a personal cost. Share with the group the challenge of this situation. Why was it a challenge for you? How did you go?
3. Read V 16-18. The three young men felt that they did not need to defend their position, that God would be their defender. Such a stance requires great trust, courage, and conviction. How can we build trust in God to this level? What might it take for us to have such faith in God in a time of trial? What disciplines did these three young men already have in place prior to their time of trial?
4. The three young men could have compromised to play safe when told to bow down to the image, yet they chose to take a stance at the potential cost of their own lives. What are the non-negotiable issues for you that you would not compromise on? Is it OK to compromise in some areas of our faith? can you think of any biblical examples where compromise happened and what the outcomes were?
5. Is there currently area of your life that you have compromised, that God wants you to now take a stand for?
   The three stood with courage and in confidence that their God would resolve the issue that the faced one way of another. Could you have this confidence in God if faced with the possibility of death for your belief? What gave these boys this confidence? What could build your confidence in God?
6. Read Vs 21-25. The three young men were in the predicament together. Why is it often easier to face a significant challenge with others, rather than doing so alone? What was the significance of the fourth person who was seen in the fire with them? Who do you lean on in times of challenge?

Respond

In our everyday lives, it is often when we are willing to take a stance with courage and grace that others can see what we are passionate about. The risk is that we can also play safe and blend in with what everyone else is doing, and thus not be the witness for God that we are called to be.
What is one area of your life that God is calling you to take a courageous and graceful stance for Him today?”

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Daniel – Part 3 – Stepping Into Your Anointing

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
In Daniel 1:17, God gives Daniel the special ability to interpret visions and dreams. When it is time to use this gift, Daniel shows confidence in God and his anointing. Even though his life is at stake, Daniel stands before King Nebuchadnezzar in full confidence, knowing that God will use him and help him. He knows who God made him to be, what his calling is, and where God wants him.

Read: Daniel 2:1-28, 48-49

Discuss

1. After reading passages above, have one or two people re-tell the story in their own words. Then, give everyone a chance to share what stood out for them.
2. What is one thing you are passionate about and confident in doing? (Think of an activity you will immediately say ‘yes’ to.) Share.
3. Read Daniel 2:14-16. What character traits can you identify from Daniel’s response in these verses?
4. Pastor Dale emphasised that Daniel’s story did not happen at church — Daniel brought his gift to work. How have you seen or experienced someone bringing and exercising their anointing in your workplace or a secular place? Why might this be a challenge?
5. Read verses 25-28. What is the significance of Daniel’s answer to King Nebuchadnezzar’s question? Why is it important for Daniel to answer the question this way?
6. How can we discern and respond to God’s calling in our lives? What steps can we take to align our passions and talents with God’s purpose in our lives?

Respond

We began by identifying God’s gift for Daniel, and the reading ended with God being glorified because Daniel used his gift (verse 46-47). No matter what our gifts, we are to use them for God’s glory. If you are yet to discover your gifting, start by tapping into what you are passionate about. Take a step and see how it plays out. If you do it confidently and humbly, you may be surprised at the good things God has planned.

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Daniel – Part 4 – Conviction, Commitment and Courage

Daniel was invited to explain the writing on the wall to a powerful group of people who were decidedly anti-God. This was the next generation of a pagan king who had forgotten what the previous generation had learnt about God. Daniel was faced with a choice: would he speak up for God with courage and conviction, or would he act in compliance with the culture? What can we learn from this account of living among lions?

Read: Daniel 5

Discuss

1. Read Daniel 5 and have one person re-tell the story in their own words. Have others add to the story if any key points were missing. What spiritual principles or verses stood out?
2. See verses 1-4 and 22-23. How did the Babylonian party mock Yahweh? Why was it particularly offensive that this was initiated by Belshazzar?
3. See verses 11-12. What was Daniel recognised for? Have you experienced a situation where a non-Christian has come to you in time of crisis because they knew you were a Christian and could offer support?
4. See verse 17. Why did Daniel refuse the king’s gifts and rewards? Have you been in a situation where you were tempted to compromise your convictions because there were possibilities of a reward, or conversely, a price to pay? Where does our reward ultimately come from? How can this impact our decision making?
5. See verses 18-22. What did God judge Nebuchadnezzar for? Why is this sin so deadly to even Christians today? See James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5.
6. Note that Daniel provided an explanation of the writing on wall when he was asked to. How can we determine when to speak up and become a spokesperson if not asked?
7. Daniel explained the sign to Belshazzar truthfully even though it was a condemnation. Why is telling the truth important even in difficult circumstances? See John 8:32. Have you had to tell someone a difficult truth? How can this be done with love and grace?
8. It was said that “It is going to get harder to stand for the things of the Lord.” Do you believe this is the case? Why or why not?

Respond

Daniel stands as an exemplar who was God’s spokesperson, fearless in every context, not tempted to compromise, and spoke the truth in a culture that was hostile to God. This hostility is similar to that of our society today. What area of conviction do you feel challenged to hold publicly? What is one thing you need to be courageous about in matters of faith in your life or workplace?

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Daniel – Part 5 – Daniel in the Lions’ Den

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” For followers of Christ in our generation, this truth means much the same as it did for Daniel, servant of God taken captive in a foreign land. It means that regardless of the cultural and legal context, the God of all creation remains steadfast. When the law changed, Daniel’s relationship with God did not alter. Although circumstances changed and pressure to conform ebbed and flowed, Daniel stayed the course of servitude and intimacy with God; he was not tossed about with every whim of doctrine or cultural trend. As such, Daniel’s God-honouring reputation flourished and he made a significant impact for the glory of God.

Read: Daniel 6:1-28

Discuss

1. What is it about Daniel that stands out to you in the passage?
2. How would you personally respond if a new law stipulated that all Christians in Australia must not attend church for the month? Would you comply by not attending, or continue your normal participation in church life?
3. Optional and contextual questions to consider: What changes have observed in Australian culture since you were young? What changes have you observed in Australia in the last 5-10 years? Do you think the rate of change is speeding up, or does it just seem that way to each generation?
4. Read verse 10. Would you describe your convictions about the Christian life as similar to that of Daniel? Are you able to stay true to your godly convictions despite changes in the Australian culture? Discuss the things that you do, or intend to do, to ensure you persevere in your faith? (Matthew 24:13)
5. Read verse 22. Daniel knew, and was able to declare, that he was innocent of any wrongdoing towards God or the king. If we live under grace, why is frequent confession still required? Can any of us go a week, or even a day, without an ungodly thought, motive or attitude? Pastor Heather states that confession of sin should include any negative emotion that does not line up with the fruit of the Spirit. Read Galatians 5:22-23 and review the question again.
6. Daniel did not change to fit in with the culture and his prayer life was an integral part of his confidence in God. How can we trust God regardless of the outcome? Consider Job 13:15 and Daniel 3:17-18. Could you trust God if your reputation, livelihood or life hung in the balance?
7. Read 1 Peter 5:8-9. Jesus in not like a lion, he is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5) who has already triumphed. Discuss whether trust Jesus is a sense/feeling we have, or is it a decision that requires action in the way we live?

Respond

Has this discussion confirmed or led you to believe that trusting Jesus is a decision that requires action? What is your next step to increase your confidence in Christ in preparation for future cultural change?